Shiv Sagar Slams Ranbir Kapoor’s Casting as Lord Rama in Upcoming ‘Ramayana’

When you hear the name Ramanand Sagar, you instantly think of the iconic 1987 TV‑series that defined a generation’s picture of the epic. His grandson, Shiv Sagar, has been thrust into the limelight lately, not for a remake of the series, but because of a very different project – Nitesh Tiwari’s big‑budget ‘Ramayana’ that’s slated to hit theatres during Diwali 2026 and again in 2027.

In a candid interview, Shiv let his thoughts flow without the usual PR polish. “I cannot accept Ranbir Kapoor as Ram,” he said, sounding almost bewildered. “After ‘Animal’, it’s just hard for me to see him as the idealised, serene Rama we all know.” He added that while Ranbir is undeniably a talented actor, the role of Lord Rama carries a certain sanctity that, in his view, is better served by an unfamiliar face.

He didn’t stop there. Shiv hinted that the decision to put Ranbir in the lead might be driven more by marketing calculus than artistic fidelity. “If they hadn’t gone with Ranbir, maybe the film wouldn’t have got the same buzz. That’s a reality of today’s industry, but for a character like Ram, a fresh visage would have felt more authentic,” he explained.

Interestingly, Shiv’s stance is not entirely new. In an earlier chat with Bollywood Hungama, he expressed optimism about the ensemble, praising Sai Pallavi’s poised portrayal of Sita and Yash’s intense take on Ravana. “The graphics are grand, the cast impressive – I’m looking forward to it,” he had said then. It appears his admiration for the overall package remains, even if the lead casting still bothers him.

The film’s other key players include Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, and veteran Sunny Deol as Hanuman – a line‑up that promises to be a visual and emotional spectacle. With two parts planned for consecutive Diwali releases, expectations are sky‑high, and the conversation about casting is only adding fuel to the fire.

Whether Shiv’s call for a newcomer will echo through the industry or fade into background chatter, one thing is clear: the legacy of Ramanand Sagar’s original ‘Ramayan’ still reverberates, and every new interpretation is bound to spark debate.